Politics

The Guardian view on Labour after Makerfield: change must mean more than a new leader

Andy Burnham has shown Labour can beat Reform. He must show that his promise of change is a programme, not another slogan for power

Has Burnham’s win in Makerfield sealed Starmer’s fate?

Andy Burnham’s resounding win in the Makerfield byelection has set the stage for a leadership battle with Keir Starmer. The outgoing mayor of Greater Manchester received more votes than Reform and Restore combined, and the nature of the victory has prompted speculation he could replace Starmer as prime minister within weeks, if not days. Annie Kelly speaks to political correspondent Alexandra Topping

Cabinet loyalists tell Starmer he has the weekend to set out timetable for exit

Ministers say PM faces being forced out by party if he does not act, with one calling his departure inevitable

Lib Dem MP Cameron Thomas arrested on suspicion of assault

Thomas, 43, a former military police officer, has whip suspended during investigation into the allegations

How the Iran war united, and then divided Trump and Israel's Netanyahu

June 19, 2026 / 12:28 PM EDT / CBS News

A losing streak? Makerfield shows mounting dangers for Nigel Farage

From Restore and tactical voting to questions over that £5m gift, the Reform leader faces challenges on several fronts

Britain's Next Leader Has Emerged

Andy Burnham, Manchester's mayor, prepares to challenge Keir Starmer—and is likely to win.

Italy nixes envoy's U.S. visit as leader Meloni "stunned" by Trump comments: "Neither I nor Italy beg"

Updated on: June 19, 2026 / 11:57 AM EDT / CBS News

British actress accused of trying to smuggle $208 million worth of meth into Australia in charcoal bags

June 19, 2026 / 11:47 AM EDT / CBS News

White House report card: Two F's and an MOU

Welcome to Friday’s Washington Secrets, where we are ready for another weekend filled with World Cup soccer. Once again, we unleash our two strategists to review the president’s week, and — spoiler alert — it’s not good. Where can I get a copy of The Mayor of Casterbridge?

What's missing from the Epstein files? Questions persist about unexplained redactions, missing documents, email gaps

Updated on: June 19, 2026 / 11:37 AM EDT / CBS News

Iran calls Israel 'genocidal death cult' only interested in 'permanent war'

Israeli leaders’ statements demanding that “all of Lebanon must burn” have become an unwelcome complication to peace negotiations as a ceasefire between the Israeli militia and Hezbollah begins.